Just recently, I went to a local Ducati Club meeting, who shall remain nameless, at a fairly expensive Italian restaraunt, on the advise of one of their members, since I now have a Duc. So I show up on my funky little S4. in my leather bomber jacket ( a real one), and some logger boots, my Grey Arai, and some motocross gloves (it was a hot day). Now as I ride up, I notice they are sitting around wearing their little Italian bicycle hats, most every one of them has a full set of leathers, they are all wearing red Ducati shirts, and pretty much matching helmets. Being a pretty outgoing, friendly type, I walk up, introduce myself to a few of them, and procede to wander around and look at bikes. Out of about 14 or 15 people, 2 actually took the time to come and talk to me, we talked for a bit about the various Italian bikes that were there, i asked about the others that were sitting in their little cliques, and both of my new friends said, "Oh don't worry about those guys, that's just the way they are.". They way they are? What, too snooty to come and talk to another motorcycle freak about motorcycles? I asked if there was a group ride going to happen after lunch, and I got the distinct impression that they didn't want me to know where they were going. Maybe I'm mistaken, and they all wanted to talk motorcycles and were just waiting for a good chance, but I don't think so.
Have you guys ever run into this sort of attitude on your Ducs? The only other times I have run into sh_tty motorcycle types with crappy attitudes was the bada_s Harley types, and a few BMW types, even though I used to own a K100.
I got the distinct impression that they own Ducatis just to show that they own Ducatis, not actually because they like to ride them.
It's those kind of riders/wanna be's that make the general population believe if you ride a Ducati you think your poop don't stink and you're better than everyone else(however true this might be).
welcome to the club...
There are TONS of snobby Ducati riders. They are douchebags and you don't want to talk to them anyway. They are just as bad as any other group.
You also own a monster, low end on the Duc totem pole... granted an S4 has a SBK motor, try rolling up in a 620!
On the other hand, there are also some really make the beast with two backsing cool Ducati owners. At the end of the day it is just a motorcycle and if a person likes motorcycles, it doesnt matter what kind it is.
Find new people to ride with and don't let them turn you off of Ducs
Quote from: corndog67 on May 17, 2009, 09:20:17 PM
Have you guys ever run into this sort of attitude on your Ducs? The only other times I have run into sh_tty motorcycle types with crappy attitudes was the bada_s Harley types, and a few BMW types, even though I used to own a K100.
I got the distinct impression that they own Ducatis just to show that they own Ducatis, not actually because they like to ride them.
Actually, as sad as it is that you had to experience that you should know this type of behavior is not restricted only to ducati riders.. every group of riders--ducatistis, harley riders, stunters, racers, super safety-conscious riders, etc--consist of those who are "snobby", as you put it, to those who don't fit their mold. Actually as a whole, motorcyclists are more of a closed group than others and understandably within the motorcyclist group there will be many more smaller sub-cliques. You shouldn't let this experience make you think all, or even most, ducati riders are that way. Just like anything, there are good people as well as idiots out there. If you're the type of rider that likes to ride with others/clubs, I'd keep looking.. I'm sure you'll find a better group of riders. Good luck [thumbsup]
I feel your pain [thumbsup] [bang]
Yes, i know the feeling...
They are standing around, hoping people would come and ask them about their old stuff from the 70s and 916s where they dumped 10.000 into carbon.
When I came there with my stock 695 I felt like the kid with the ugly wood marbles.
But now after the tail chop and all the other mods they warm up it seems...
You wanna be on the field, you need to play the game...
To me, it sounds like the majority of this group was the quiet (shy?) type - some guys like that will form a close group, wearing the same shirts and only talking amongst themselves. I see them all the time and I can tell by their body language that they are scared of outgoing friendly types. It's hard to admit being shy, so these guys choose snobbery as protection. (enough with the sociology?)
I experience a few envy/ignoring reactions, but most of the time it's like when we were kids - "hey, you like toys and candy too!? We can be friends"
You just found 14-15 guys (posers?) whom you won't be hanging out with. I know that I would feel a little hurt by the cold reception, when all I wanted was to make some new friends. Then again, I would forget about it fast, go for a ride and meet other cool riders. Plenty out there!
sorry to hear about your unfriendly new friends :-\
there are plenty of other, really nice, ducati riding people out there, i've met some ;)
where are you located, anyway?
I don't know what happens to people when they get in a group, but something definitely does. Maybe they really are jerks but probably if you met them one at a time individually they'd be OK. Wouldn't give up on them yet, give them another chance and also, wait 'til they find out yer a machinist, bet they get real friendly real fast.
Really sorry to hear about you experience with what I hope is only one of your local groups. Considering the last couple of days on the forum, it doesn't surprise me at all unfortunately.
Sure there are plenty of snotty types in any activity... caused by being human. I am proud to say that (in my opinion) the local DFWM group isn't that way at all. We've had some grumblings but it was never about bikes. Just personality crap and mistaken posts. The usual stuff, no big deal, move along nothing to see here. As far as bikes go that snotty thing has never ever come up. We have folks on our rides and get to gethers on GS Bemmers, ZX10 Kawis, 675 Daytonas and I love to personally test this group by constantly showing up on Jap SBKs instead of my Ducs!! [laugh] I do try and park it across the street when we stop for lunch! ;D
Sorry for the BS. That kind of attitude just doesn't belong in the bike riding community. Sure, we've had folks show up for rides in jeans and tennis shoes plenty of times but I never say anything to them. That's their deal, I am sure they can see that we all wear riding boots, leather or textile jackets and pants. Better to lead by example than ostracize someone who may not be able to afford all the gear at the moment.
Find the friendly people in that group, hang out with them and start your own friendly, non-snotty clique! [laugh] [clap] [thumbsup]
asshats in every group of people.
maybe they were wondering who the snobby monster rider was who didn't come say hello to them :) everyone waiting for the other person to come and talk bikes.
also sometimes easy to confuse comfort for snobishness. I'm pretty happy with my life and don't feel the need to chat with lots of people I don't know. (oh the DMF forum irony in that statement) doesn't mean anything about how I feel about them or what they do or own etc...just doesn't rise to any level of my concern. That may be unfriendly to strangers, but it's not snobbery.
Quote from: stopintime on May 18, 2009, 02:53:00 AM
To me, it sounds like the majority of this group was the quiet (shy?) type - some guys like that will form a close group, wearing the same shirts and only talking amongst themselves. I see them all the time and I can tell by their body language that they are scared of outgoing friendly types. It's hard to admit being shy, so these guys choose snobbery as protection. (enough with the sociology?)
Good point! It's very easy to confuse shyness for snobbiness.. Remember that next time you see a hot chick who seems snobby..
That said. I am pleasantly surprised by the local duc owners.. They don't seem to be the rich snobs expected but more just motorcycle enthusiasts of all income ranges. A good way to judge them is their tires.. Huge chicken strips on a 1098s/r or S4rs = d-bag! ;D
hahahaha. wait...we're talking about being snobby as bad and you just posted to judge someone by their chicken strips? :)
I'll be your friend. =)
Quote from: Statler on May 18, 2009, 07:45:39 AM
hahahaha. wait...we're talking about being snobby as bad and you just posted to judge someone by their chicken strips? :)
[laugh] you must have missed the ;D (as in j/k)
<shrug> It happens. 'specially with Ducs. I do what I can to avoid that scene, but sometimes, it's just that way.
re not inviting you on a ride, there's the 'other' perspective. I might not tell some new guy where I was gonna ride if I don't know him. There are some rides that are open to the public and others that are not. That said, it *seems* like their group ride was part of the meet-up and therefore open to whoever wants to join. My concern is that I don't want to have to take care of someone (or contact their loved ones) who tried to keep up, rode over his head and ate shit. I'd be especially concerned if someone asked to join a ride and was dressed as you described yourself. Hmmm . . . I guess that counts as snobbery. I must be one of them. :-\
Quote from: fastwin on May 18, 2009, 06:48:12 AM
Sorry for the BS. That kind of attitude just doesn't belong in the bike riding community. Sure, we've had folks show up for rides in jeans and tennis shoes plenty of times but I never say anything to them. That's their deal, I am sure they can see that we all wear riding boots, leather or textile jackets and pants. Better to lead by example than ostracize someone who may not be able to afford all the gear at the moment.
We either make it clear not to show up in tennis shoes, or we give them tons of shit about it if they do. That's not ostracizing them. It's setting a norm. I'm gonna be the one waiting for the ambulance, posting up details about their ankle surgery and cleaning the blood off the street. So I get to say something. Besides, if they can afford gas, they can afford a pair of hiking boots or Timberlands.
Quote from: Vindingo on May 17, 2009, 09:43:02 PM
There are TONS of snobby Ducati riders. They are douchebags and you don't want to talk to them anyway. They are just as bad as any other group.
P.S. Don't ever ride with Vin. He's a f'n low-rent f'n scumbag. ;D
It gets worse than that.
Try to mix in with some bicycle road racer types. First you have to have the right type of gear and then you physically have to keep up the pace. You could be dropped from the group miles from home and no one would ever care enough to even check if you made it back ok. Plus I notice those type of bikers don't even wave to other riders.
Kinda off topic but not-
I was on my tangerine dream the other day near Wrigley Field and in the opposite direction is this guy on I think a Honda scooter. You know what I am talking about? The ones that are big enough to be a motorcycle? Anyway, he's turing into a parking garage and he has another scooter behind him with a guy who has a little boy on the back. As I pass him, he literally throws up a "Sieg Heil" at me.
Okay.
1. You're on a scooter, I'm not going to wave back. Well, most the time I don't unless you're cute or your on a vespa.
2. WTF is with the Sieg Heil??!!
Very odd.
My initial reaction was the same as yours when I ran up against this with my local group. Yep, I was a new rider on a puny M695. I guess that made me an outcast. You would have thought that common interest would lead to introductions, but not as much as I would have thought. I was able to strike up conversations with a number of folks, but apparently I was beneath several others.
After thinking about it, I had to chuckle a little bit. Are you really defined by what you wear, where you live, what you do, or what you ride? If so, how in the hell can you be happy. do you know anyone who married their significant other just to please someone else or for the status? I bet they are miserable now. The same has got to be true with ass hats who define themselves by what they ride (Ducati, Harley, BMW, sport bikes or cruisers). If it was cool to ride pink scooters...ok that is a stretch.....would you do it just to be "cool"?
I just happen to really love my puny 695. I commute every day on it, ride it year round in the rain and snow, and find myself looking for excuses to ride it whenever and whereever. It is waaay more comfortable than the 848 I demo'd last week and I recently got a big charge out cornering and passing far more powerful bikes at the track last week. That said, that 848 put a perma-grin on my face with its power, handling, sound, and looks. If I trade my trusty M695 for it...or any other bike for that matter... it won't be to please anyone but me.
Oh, yea. Count yourself lucky that they snubbed you. Otherwise, you would have had wasted time talking to them before you realized that they were losers.
Holy shit.... I just spilled my Cristal all over the keyboard! [wine]
Quote from: MsTek on May 18, 2009, 10:58:19 AM
Kinda off topic but not-
I was on my tangerine dream the other day near Wrigley Field and in the opposite direction is this guy on I think a Honda scooter. You know what I am talking about? The ones that are big enough to be a motorcycle? Anyway, he's turing into a parking garage and he has another scooter behind him with a guy who has a little boy on the back. As I pass him, he literally throws up a "Sieg Heil" at me.
Okay.
1. You're on a scooter, I'm not going to wave back. Well, most the time I don't unless you're cute or your on a vespa.
2. WTF is with the Sieg Heil??!!
Very odd.
wait, was he riding this?
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg216/mikesixtysix/misc/koreannaziscooter2.jpg)
^
Oh Lawdy! :o
The joys of google image search! [laugh]
Quote from: Grug on May 18, 2009, 03:36:58 PM
^
The joys of google image search! [laugh]
yeah, normally you wouldn't expect to get any hits on a "scooter + hitler" search!
Quote from: Magnus on May 18, 2009, 02:54:48 PM
wait, was he riding this?
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg216/mikesixtysix/misc/koreannaziscooter2.jpg)
OMG... I just choked on my cookie! LAWL! No he was not riding that but wow...
Like you, I have heard comments from rider friends that think most of the Duc riders they encounter seem snoobish and aloof except me ofcourse (In my puny 620 - I always have to explain how inexpensive mine was compared to their R6, R1 to many inquiries ). In my experience, I have met a few friendly Duc riders but there were some douche bags as well. No wonder the negative sentiments from other riders.
As for judgements, just ride and let your riding speak for itself. Chicken strips, I think most of us can't help but notice that. It only comes into play when people are hyping up their skills and then you peak at the chicken strip and just make a mental note to stay the hell out of that riders way ;D
As for gears, I get the feeling either most Duc riders are snoobish or I am misunderstanding them. Wearing expensive gear or an inexpensive gear or not wearing any gear does not bother me at all. We're all adults and we make our own decisions. Why sweat that ?
As for group rides, I have ridden with a formal group with invitation a few times and I respectfully declined invitation next time with explanation and they were cool about it (that group happened to be too mellow for me at the time). What is not acceptable is to be invited and just disrepect their setup and riding styles outright ( A buddy of mine did that as he just could not stand it and no wonder they hated him)
Anyhow, I am not a member of any formal riding group with President and bla bla bla. I just hate the idea of that. I just meet up with rider friends and anyone is welcome and just bang out.
I will say this- and I know a few of the guys in this group do read this board and know who I am-
But why do people who own Ducatis feel the need to wear Ducati everything right down to their underwear? It sorta creeps me out to be honest. I was getting a little flac because I wear an Icon armor jacket on my Duc. And yes, I have seen some guys that I talk to who are completely in full racing leathers by- Ducati on their Ducati bike
To each their own, let them enjoy life however they want to... but in some aspect, say I like McDonalds a lot. Wouldn't you think me a bit strange if I went to McDonalds wearing my McDonads sweater, shoes, pants, and hat? Let me take this one step further.
How do you feel about people who go a Star Trek convention and dress up like Klingons and speak Klingon and haven't ever been in any of the movies?
Just saying...
[EDIT] The more I think about it, this is probably the most "girlie" statement that I have made on this board. Now that I think about it, dudes don't care about this kind of thing. Women care more about outfits than guys do. Carry on... carry on... Rock that red/white/green on your Ducati. I'll be wearing the black leather with the cutesy white skull on it.
(http://www.ridersdiscount.com/channel-images/77/77391/320x320-FULL.jpg)
Quote from: MsTek on May 18, 2009, 04:57:18 PM
How do you feel about people who go a Star Trek convention and dress up like Klingons and speak Klingon and haven't ever been in any of the movies?
funny star wars nerds part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugk37TvIR8E#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
funny star wars nerds part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCtz4trJr_g&feature=related#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
I don't think it's duc riders in general. I saw a desmo at Hell's Kitchen this weekend. As we were hangin around outside this guy comes out with an entourage and wearing the Ducati Corse one piece leathers. We started talking to him. Nice guy, if not a little too Hollywood. His buddies were riding 1098 or S4RS's. Damn if the D16 doesn't make the sweetest sound ever!
Quote from: Spidey on May 18, 2009, 09:12:00 AM
P.S. Don't ever ride with Vin. He's a f'n low-rent f'n scumbag. ;D
I cant even pretend that you are lying... [laugh]
I thought the people in the MOB were a bunch of snobs before I met them... no I know they are. :P
Quote from: monster2b on May 18, 2009, 05:00:46 PM
I don't think it's duc riders in general. I saw a desmo at Hell's Kitchen this weekend. As we were hangin around outside this guy comes out with an entourage and wearing the Ducati Corse one piece leathers. We started talking to him. Nice guy, if not a little too Hollywood. His buddies were riding 1098 or S4RS's. Damn if the D16 doesn't make the sweetest sound ever!
Dude that was Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt
Quote from: Spidey on May 18, 2009, 09:12:00 AM
<shrug> It happens. 'specially with Ducs. I do what I can to avoid that scene, but sometimes, it's just that way.
re not inviting you on a ride, there's the 'other' perspective. I might not tell some new guy where I was gonna ride if I don't know him. There are some rides that are open to the public and others that are not. That said, it *seems* like their group ride was part of the meet-up and therefore open to whoever wants to join. My concern is that I don't want to have to take care of someone (or contact their loved ones) who tried to keep up, rode over his head and ate shit. I'd be especially concerned if someone asked to join a ride and was dressed as you described yourself. Hmmm . . . I guess that counts as snobbery. I must be one of them. :-\
We either make it clear not to show up in tennis shoes, or we give them tons of shit about it if they do. That's not ostracizing them. It's setting a norm. I'm gonna be the one waiting for the ambulance, posting up details about their ankle surgery and cleaning the blood off the street. So I get to say something. Besides, if they can afford gas, they can afford a pair of hiking boots or Timberlands.
P.S. Don't ever ride with Vin. He's a f'n low-rent f'n scumbag. ;D
Well Spide, I was invited by one of the members to come and check out the group and maybe go on a ride with them. The fact that they would have taken the $35 membership fee and given me a T-shirt no matter what was kind of interesting. Now I've been doing this stuff for about 37 years. 32 on the street. In fact, I just have to watch someone ride for about 5 minutes and it gives me a real good idea if they can ride or not. I'm sure you guys can do the same thing. Just watch someone for 5 minutes and you already have an idea about their abilities. I have never ridden with a group, any group, that i couldn't hold my own with. No one has to take care of me. And from the looks of things, some of their group needed watching over. And I'm not going to ride over my head trying to keep up. And the fact that I wasn't wearing leathers? Well, I had a leather jacket. I don't even OWN a pair of leather pants. This is how I ride. Jeans, a leather jacket, some heavy duty work boots that probably cost more than most of their fancy Alpinestar boots, a good helmet and motocross gloves. As for people wearing tennis shoes, they ride their bike, I ride mine.
I guess that is why I generally ride with only a couple of guys from work, and from where I used to work (true, hard core maniacs), and my brother. What was I thinking? I guess I thought they would be like regular guys, but apparently, I was wrong.
Quote from: MsTek on May 18, 2009, 04:57:18 PM
I will say this- and I know a few of the guys in this group do read this board and know who I am-
But why do people who own Ducatis feel the need to wear Ducati everything right down to their underwear? It sorta creeps me out to be honest. I was getting a little flac because I wear an Icon armor jacket on my Duc. And yes, I have seen some guys that I talk to who are completely in full racing leathers by- Ducati on their Ducati bike
I've
wasted spent a ton of money on my bike, least I can do is advertise that fact.
Okay, technically my wife's bought me all my Ducati branded gear. Maybe it's her way of saying to the general public "See. This is why our kids have to dress in rags..." ;D
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 18, 2009, 06:01:53 PM
I've wasted spent a ton of money on my bike, least I can do is advertise that fact.
Okay, technically my wife's bought me all my Ducati branded gear. Maybe it's her way of saying to the general public "See. This is why our kids have to dress in rags..." ;D
THIS IS WHY WE DON'T HAVE NICE THINGS!!!!
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 18, 2009, 06:01:53 PM
Maybe it's her way of saying to the general public "See. This is why our kids have to dress in rags..." ;D
Nope. It's to distract you from the fact that all your kids look like me. ;D
Quote from: Spidey on May 18, 2009, 06:34:45 PM
Nope. It's to distract you from the fact that all your kids look like me. ;D
That was good.